Scott Answers the Voters

By R. Scott Durcanin

1. Who has endorsed you?
I have been endorsed by Alicia Becerril, Mark Leno, Gavin Newsom , the City Democratic Club of San Francisco, Donna Casey, Aaron Peskin, and Art Conger. Having been an independent voter, I committed to the Democratic Party after the last presidential election, and campaigned for Prop J- Muni Audit, Prop B- PacBell Park, Mayor Jordan's re-election, and Willie Brown's re-election. I supported Bill Fazio in the last two elections.

2. What are the three primary reasons for running for Democratic County Central Committee?
I am running for the Central Committee because I am the neighborhood candidate. San Francisco is facing a housing crisis, and more affordable housing is needed. New housing construction must be in appropriate locations and maintain neighborhood integrity. The SF DCCC can be a better resource for Democratic voters; the web site needs to be updated more often and all calls and emails must be returned promptly - a more informed voter will most likely be a regular voter. I want to be part of a team that is focused on the same issues with which I am passionate and concerned, and if successful, I would consider other opportunities within the Party.

3. What role have you played in increasing participation of communities of color in the Democratic Party of California?
I support union labor, progressive transportation ideas, and condemn discrimination in any form.

4. How will you use your role as a member of the DCCC to help ensure the participation of communities of color in the Democratic Party?
Education in the electoral process is the key to participation in the Democratic Party for communities of color. If elected, I pledge to speak to any interested high school class regarding my experiences with the election and how they can get involved. Our youngest voters, 18-24 make up only 5% of the voting population, that is why we need to start early.

5. Are you endorsing any Latino candidate for this race?
I have not yet been asked to endorse any DCCC candidates.

6. What role do you feel chartered clubs in the Democratic Party should play?
Charted clubs will make district supervisors more accountable to the neighborhoods, and reduce the influence of big money in our local government. To that end, chartered clubs will have better access to elected officials, be able to promote their issues and candidates, and increase voter participation.

7. Why do you feel the participation of communities of color in the DCCC has been lacking in the past few years?
I feel that the DCCC must improve its efforts towards voter education and outreach in the Latino communities, as this community is the largest percentage of newly registered Democrats in the 20-35 year old age group, and the future of the party. Through voter education and outreach, we can show how the Democratic Party holds the same core, fundamental beliefs as communities of color.

8. As a member of the DCCC you will serve as a State Delegate. What is your stand on the following issues?
I am against Prop 21 and 22, while I support Prop 1A.

9. Name three issues which most seriously impact communities of color?
Through "racial profiling" law enforcement has become a serious issue for communities of color. Additionally, as the neighborhoods candidate, I am aware of the proliferation of liquor and package stores in low income neighborhoods and would work to bring conventional neighborhood supermarkets to low income areas. Lastly, education and outreach to youth is of serious concern to communities of color, and I pledge to work towards keeping youth off the streets with diversion programs like night-time sports leagues and other activities.

10. What is your position regarding the following issues: Living wage, Live/Work Space/ Gentrification in the Mission?
I support a living wage, but as a small business owner myself, I am also concerned about the impact on small business. Living Wage Legislation should not come at the expense of small, neighborhood businesses, and create a situation whereby large, national chains push these businesses out of the neighborhoods. I also support allowing businesses that provide health care to factor this benefit into a living wage. In addition, I support increasing the supply of more affordable housing through Live/Work space, however I do not believe there should be constraints where people of any race can live.

11. What is your action plan to address these issues?
As each small business' own business plan is different and unique, the living wage issue must be addressed on an individual basis. A Living Wage Council made up of local business owners and neighborhood residents gathered from each district should be formed to hear complaints and study the issue on an individual basis. Complaints could be made in writing, keeping the complainant anonymous. Regarding Live/Work space and the gentrification of the Mission, these are issues that should be resolved on a neighborhood level. More neighborhood comment and oversight provides an effective complement to existing city zoning and building laws.

12. How would you encourage reform in the party in order to promote involvement from communities of color?
The DCCC should encourage input from communities of color through outreach programs focused on voter awareness and education. Through the use of the internet and desktop publishing, the DCCC could promote Democratic causes in many languages and target those issues that communities of color hold dear.

13. What specific communities do you represent and how will you serve as a liason?
I am a member of the North Beach Chamber of Commerce and serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Russian Hill Neighbors. Additionally, I am a Board Member of the North Beach Neighbors and a Board Member of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers as well as serve on their Zoning and Planning Committee. I am also a volunteer tree planter for The Friends of the Urban Forest. Through these committees and serving the neighborhoods all over The City, I will continue to be a liaison for Democratic ideals and causes.

14. How will you encourage the DCCC to support candidates of color in the city's races?
I feel lucky and privileged to live in a city where the quality of a person's message far outweighs the color of their skin. We have a remarkably diverse population with exceptional talents, and it is the mission of the DCCC to discover the talent in these individuals and place them in public office where they can be most effective. Outreach and education is the cornerstone of our bridge to communities of color and we should work towards making a bridge that will last.